Dr. Carol Thornber is Dean of the School for the Environment at UMass Boston. As the only public research university in Boston, UMass Boston’s School for the Environment serves a diverse community interested in making positive impacts towards creating a sustainable and just future. Carol is particularly drawn to UMass Boston’s mission to support and elevate students through its student-focused approach that encompasses all aspects of student training and professional development.
Carol is a marine environmental scientist with a multidisciplinary research program that has broadly focused on the impacts of climate change on coastal communities. Specifically, her research has included studies on multitrophic aquaculture, invasive species, coastal resilience, and harmful algal bloom ecology. Carol has published in the top research journals in her field and maintains several active international and national research collaborations. Prior to arriving at UMass Boston in July 2024, Carol was a tenured full professor at the University of Rhode Island and served in several leadership roles there. She is also actively involved with the National Organization of Research Development Professionals, which serves to elevate research infrastructure across educational institutions.